Unfettered Power: The Authority of Kim Jong-un in North Korea
Kim Jong-un's authority in North Korea is akin to divine power, a manifestation of centralized control at its most pronounced. To delve into this, it is essential to understand the hierarchical structure and the God-like status Kim enjoys, making him virtually untouchable and his every command divine.
Kim Jong-un as a Stalinist Dictator
Kim Jong-un's rule is not just arbitrary; it is rooted in a structured system that reveres him as the foremost authority. This top-down governance, reminiscent of Stalinist regimes, operates on rigid lines of hierarchical power. In North Korea, Kim is not merely a political figure but a divine entity, a living deity that inspires absolute obedience.
Religious Significance and Ancillary Gods
The Kim dynasty in North Korea functions much like a religious pantheon. Kim Il-sung, the founding father, is worshipped as an eternal president, an infallible guide for the nation. Similarly, Kim Jong-il, the godfather, and Kim Jong-un, the god son, form a holy trinity of power and divinity. This divine lineage sustains the authoritarian rule, ensuring that Kim Jong-un’s authority is unquestioned.
Adding to this religious significance, there may even be a 'Holy Virgin' figure, Kim Yeo-jeong, whose elevated status further reinforces the divine hierarchy. This adds a spiritual dimension to the political structure, making rebellion impossible and compliance absolute.
Structural Power: Multiple Institutions, Single Authority
Despite the establishment of various governmental bodies, the power dynamics in North Korea are intricately balanced to support the singular authority of Kim Jong-un. Key institutions such as the Central Military Commission, Polit-Buro, Central Committee, State Affairs Commission, General Staff of the North Korean Army, government, and parliament exist, but they operate to maintain the status quo rather than challenge it.
Critical positions are held by individuals who are closely aligned with the Kim family, ensuring that power remains concentrated. For instance, Kim Yeo-jeong, holding the high-ranking position as First Vice Chairperson of the Workers' Party, further cements the family's dominance. Each key role, like that of the Prime Minister, is reconsidered in light of the family's predetermined priorities and interests.
C Invocation of Authority: Every Word is Law
Every word spoken by Kim Jong-un is treated with reverence akin to divine revelations. In North Korea, the words of the supreme leader are not merely policy guidelines but commandments that must be followed without question. The ritual of writing down these words immediately in a pocketbook is a symbol of absolute obedience and respect.
This reverence is enforced across all levels of governance and society. For example, during a visit to Typhoon No. 9's disaster site in North Hwanghae Province, Kim Jong-un’s pronouncements were taken as divine directives to be acted upon immediately. Similarly, his advice during party conferences and interactions with local officials hold the weight of ultimate authority, ensuring that his wishes are carried out without resistance.
In conclusion, the authority of Kim Jong-un in North Korea is a complex interplay of divine adulation, structured power, and obedient adherence to a single line of command. This system ensures his authority remains unchallenged, reinforcing the notion that he can do whatever he desires, within the confines of his divine mandate.